[VHFcontesting] Getting the FMers out for the ARRL VHF

[Tree]

> So I put together an info package which consists of two parts.  One is 
> an e-mail teaser which was distributed to all members.  The other is a 
> page on the club web site which contains the info that I think a 
> contesting newbie would need.  The e-mail refers to the URL of the info 
> page.  I have suggested they send their logs to me and I will process 
> them into proper format for submission to ARRL.  The idea being to make 
> it as painless as possible for them and still get their logs entered, 
> even if it's only 2 Qs.

Strong work Jim.  Spreading the gospel to the unwashed is a nobel endeavor
requiring genuine enthusiam and a keen understanding of the limitations 
of the typical "shack-on-the-belt" station.

Aside from the influx of us "dead" HF contesters discovering the virtues
of the small wavelengths, our biggest opportunity for new recruits will
be the audience of your message.

Keep up the good work!  I hope to make it on for a few hours this weekend.
Will be looking hard for 432 and 1296 QSOs.

73 Tree N6TR / K7RAT
tree at kkn.net

> 
> I sent the same info that's here to other clubs in my area to use if 
> they wish.
> 
> It occurred to me that some of you might want to do the same for clubs 
> in your area.  Rather than reinvent the wheel, here's what I ended up 
> sending out.  You may make whatever use of it that you wish EXCEPT make 
> your own arrangements for processing newbie logs in your area.  In 
> particular, don't have them sent to me!
> 
> Below is the e-mail announcement sent to other clubs.  It refers to a 
> web page where the details are found.  Go ahead and use it, making the 
> appropriate changes.  Go to the URL listed in the e-mail, copy the 
> contents, make the appropriate changes and post it to your own or club 
> web site.  In particular, the appropriate frequencies may be very 
> different in your area.  Distribute the e-mail and watch the FM contacts 
> roll in on the weekend.
> 
> Let's hope something comes of all this.
> 
> 73 de Jim Smith    VE7FO  
> 
> Here's the e-mail ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I've 
> xxxxx ed out my phone number
> 
> <<<< Last revision - Sunday, September 07, 2003 23:06 >>>>
> 
> Here's an operating event you can participate in with your own 2m/70cm 
> gear from your own home (if you have other VHF/UHF capability, so much 
> the better).  It is the ARRL VHF QSO Party.  The idea is to make as many 
> contacts with different stations as you can on any or all bands 50 MHz 
> and above.  i.e. 6 metres right up through microwave and higher.  While 
> the serious operators use SSB and CW they are always happy to make FM 
> simplex contacts too (no repeaters or IRLP).  If you're interested in 
> seeing how far you can reach with your gear this is the absolute best 
> time to find out as there are lots of other folks trying to do the same 
> in this event.  You may be surprised by how far you can reach.  Last 
> June a number of contacts were made on 2m simplex between Washington 
> state and just north of the Mexican border.  Admittedly, this wasn't 
> done by FM HTs with rubber duckies but it shows that 2m isn't just for 
> around town.  Oh, and some folks did the same thing on 220 MHz.
> 
> Lack of contest experience is not an issue.  You either listen on the 
> appropriate simplex frequencies or call CQ.  If you make a contact you 
> exchange a tiny amount of information, log it, and do it again.  Kind of 
> like Field Day.  Contacts aren't so rapid that you need sophisticated 
> logging systems or skills.  Even if your contacts are restricted to your 
> immediate area you will get a much better idea of what coverage you have 
> should the repeaters suddenly become unavailable during an emergency.  
> The more people that participate the better understanding we all get of 
> our simplex capability.
> 
> The event runs from 11 am PDST, Saturday, Sep 13 to 8 pm PDST, Sunday, 
> Sep 14.
> 
> For details of frequencies, what to say, etc. see 
> http://www.qsl.net/ve7vct/arrlvhftest.html
> 
> While VE7FO's offer to process logs was originally made to VECTOR 
> members only, he has agreed to process any VE7 log provided that it 
> contains fewer than 20 contacts.
> 
> If you have any questions the web page doesn't answer for you give Jim, 
> VE7FO a call at (xxx) xxx-xxxx
> 
> 
> 
> 
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